Omnitrans receives $8.4 million for new zero-emission buses in San Bernardino

Last month the U.S. Department of Transportation announced various Californian cities and transit authorities would receive $233.9 million in grants to fund 16 mass transit projects aimed at transitioning to low-and zero-emission bus models.

Omnitrans in San Bernardino received $8,447,217 of the overall grant package to purchase new battery-powered electric buses and charging equipment. The funding will also create job opportunities by supporting apprenticeships that train staff to maintain this new electrified fleet, according to a statement by Rep. Pete Aguilar.

“I’m excited to announce that our community is receiving over $8 million in federal funding for zero-emission buses that will also create good-paying local jobs,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar in a statement. “By integrating more zero-emission buses into our fleet, we are making our air cleaner and improving our public transportation system.”

Heavy-duty vehicles disproportionately contribute to air pollution, which causes adverse health effects such as heart disease, stroke, asthma and some cancers. The new electric buses will reduce pollution in the Inland Empire and improve health outcomes within the community. According to the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air study, San Bernardino has amongst the worst ozone pollution in the nation.

The grant funding comes from the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Low- and No-Emission Program, which provides federal grants for transit agencies to acquire low- to no-emission vehicles, make facility upgrades and buy supporting equipment for low- to no-emission vehicles. In 2021 Rep. Pete Aguilar helped passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated approximately $1.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2024 for this program.